WITH a cave-like amount of space married to sharp styling there's a good chance of getting wedded to the idea of driving the latest Skoda Superb Estate.

The exterior is a quantum leap from the functional face presented previously as headlight contours - paying homage to Czech glass making - and the imposing lines of the bonnet plus a natty new grille immediately catch the eye.

The sporty silhouette - helped by perfectly balanced proportions and sharp creases along the sides - gives a dynamic profile that seems at one with the road.

The rear is also redesigned with steeply raked windscreen, wraparound lights and powered bootlid providing a touch of class to proceedings.

The SE model gets smart 17-inch alloys that look great while top spec models add an inch to the wheels' waistline.

Step into the cabin and all is well designed if perhaps not as show-stopping as the outer skin. A digital radio is operated via a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen while a USB and SD card slot is provided.

The vehicle I tried was fitted with the optional Columbus sat nav and an eight-inch touchscreen costing £1,600. If it doesn't bust the budget then this decent piece of kit is worth considering.

Top quality materials are used so everything looks modern and feels fabulous. All the controls are logically sited and easy to use.

The boot is vast so will swallow virtually anything a family can throw at it including any extravagant shopping expeditions or luggage for the two-week summer jaunt down to the south of France. Golfers among you will be pleased to hear that clubs, trolley and assorted shoes and equipment can also be easily squared away.

The rear seats can be folded leaving a Grand Canyon-amount of space available and every version gets a boot-mounted rechargeable torch.

All occupants have plenty of leg and headroom while even your tallest friends can be accommodated on the back seats which can also comfortably cater for a third adult when required.

The driving position is excellent as seat and steering wheel can be adjusted to suit and there's a great view of the motoring world around you thanks to narrow pillars and large windows.

Little in the way of wind or road noise interrupts your favourite radio programme adding to the refined atmosphere.

Push-button ignition fires up a 1.6-litre diesel engine which is reasonably nippy, frugal with fuel and on the low side when it comes to carbon dioxide emissions helping to reduce company car tax bills.

It is linked to a super slick six-speed manual transmission with a relaxing gearshift action that oozes sophistication.

The steering is light around town but gives more feel as the car's speed increases making the handling pretty sharp for what is a big motor. The efficient suspension copes well with everything bar the worst road surfaces and there are confidence-inspiring levels of grip when cornering.

Safety equipment is comprehensive with all models featuring seven airbags and a raft of aids. These include a clever system that automatically brakes if a collision with the vehicle in front is about to take place as well as one that brakes the car after an impact to minimise the chance of further calamity.